Melrose Police Department to Host R.A.D. Classes for Women

The program is designed to teach personal safety skills. It begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and progresses to hands-on physical defense techniques.

“This course is invaluable for women, as it gives them the resources to utilize self-defense techniques in emergency situations,” Chief Lyle said. “We encourage any female resident to sign up who hasn’t already completed the class.”

WHEN

The upcoming classes consist of three sessions, each of which are six hours long, and will begin in February and continue through March. The schedule is as follows:

Sunday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (General class, which is a two-part session. Participants must commit to both days)

Classes are limited to 16 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, and Melrose residents have priority when classes are filled. Sessions are secured with a $25 check made out to the Melrose Police Department.

WHERE

Mount Hood Clubhouse, 100 Slayton Road

WHAT

The R.A.D. Keychain Defense uses realistic employment, combat effectiveness, light impact, fluid transitions and simulation training exercises to educate women. The program revolves around use of the Kubaton — a self defense device — in conjunction with physical skills.

Participants in the general RAD program will learn a wide range of tactics, including verbal techniques, ground defense options, escaping from bear hugs and chokehold and much more. The practical techniques are designed to maximize the strengths of a woman’s body and build upon existing instinctive responses to provide women with effective self-defense options.

At the end of both courses, women will have the opportunity to practice their skills in realistic simulation exercises.

For more information or to sign up, contact Detective Dan Ehlers at 781-979-4432 or dehlers@cityofmelrose.org